Federal regulators say a nuclear plant design touted as “certified” in 2004 actually remains years from completion, more delays in the design approval process are likely, and problems involving major components and plant systems persist. This is the design that is supposed to be used for new reactor construction in North and South Carolina.
 

Friends of the Earth and NC WARN told utilities commissioners in both states today that escalating design problems threaten Duke Energy’s chances of ever completing two new Westinghouse AP1000 reactors it wants to build near Gaffney, SC. They also say the delays mean Duke cannot provide a firm project cost estimate for the Lee Nuclear Station by year-end, a commitment the company made to both commissions during hearings over the preconstruction costs.
 

 

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